The Jaswant Thada

Source: Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur – White Marble Mausoleum in Jodhpur (indianholiday.com)

‘Such monuments are full of wisdom, for they have been filled with what they have seen and heard over hundreds of years.’

  A gigantic equestrian statue of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II stands around 100 meters before the mausoleum’s main gate. We were greeted by Rajasthani melodies sung by local musicians and folk singers seated on the monument’s steps as we proceeded to the entrance. The sepulchre is made from innumerable intricately cut marble sheets. The exquisite marble surfaces of the mausoleum exude a beautiful gentle glow, caressed by the sunlight and the surface being polished to perfection. Because the primary building material used in Jodhpur is buff-coloured sandstone, the pristine white marble provides a remarkable contrast not just with the reds of the staircase and walls, but also with anything else ever built in the region. The emerald greens of the doors and windows add to the charm of the structure.  

The equestrian statue of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jaswant_thada.png

The contrast of white marble and red stone

Source: Clicked by me

Folk singer greeting the visitors with Rajasthani melodies

Source: File:Jodhpur-Jaswant Thada-10-Musiker-2018-gje.jpg – Wikimedia Commons

The edifice is an epitome of Rajputana architectural style but the quaint domes are influenced by some of the most innovative Mughal architecture, demonstrating how Rajput rulers blended Mughal motifs in their structures. The monument has marble lattice screens (jaali work) and whimsical domes that reflect the creative brilliance and artistic expertise of the craftsmen of the time. The arches, pillars and jharokhas of the cenotaph are embellished with elaborate carvings. The walls of the hall, which houses a silver throne, are adorned with the exclusive portraits of Maharajas of Jodhpur. The impeccable architecture and design are evocative of the fine craftsmanship of the bygone era. The monument is more of a temple dedicated to previous kings, as Rajput clans are known for their ancestor worship. The main hall, built like a temple, was used for various rituals. As a method of paying respect to the deceased, it is highly recommended that you remove your shoes while entering the cenotaph.  

The inside of the hall

Source: Jaswant Thada – Kevin Standage (wordpress.com)

The jaalis at the cenotaph

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Jaswant_Thada#/media/File:Jodhpur-Jaswant_Thada-34-Fenster-2018-gje.jpg

The green doors which add to the charm of the building

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Jaswant_Thada#/media/File:Jaswant_Thada_-_Tür.jpg

A minor cenotaph in the area

Source: Clicked by me

In addition to the cenotaph of Jaswant Singh, there are minor cenotaphs of various Rajput kings, such as Maharaja Umaid Singh, Maharaja Hanwant Singh, and a memorial of a peacock that is believed to have flown into the funeral pyre while the rites were in progress. It also houses the crematorium which is reserved only for the royal family. Maharaja Jaswant Singh’s queens, who sacrificed their life on the king’s pyre, have their own portion in the monument. Several beautiful pillars that depict dancing figures decorate this section of the monument. To the west of the complex lies Dev Kund, a water body that was formerly utilized for performing traditional rites and rituals for the deceased and is now home to a few ducks. Jaswant Thada was taken over by the government of Rajasthan in 1949 with the merging of Jodhpur. It was later returned to the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, which currently manages and looks after it. The Trust runs a museum at Jaswant Thada that has portraits of Marwar kings as well as educational didactics which provides information about the history of the region. It has also undertaken a comprehensive restoration and conservation plan, which involved the development of additional gardens, among other things.  

The small lake to the west of the complex

Source: File:Jaswant Thada .jpg – Wikimedia Commons

One of the cenotaph’s most striking features is its location. The monument is complemented by the lush greens, spick-and-span lawns, chhatris, and a shallow lake nearby. During events such as the Rajasthan International Folk Festival and the World Sacred Spirit Festival, its grounds are used as a venue for performances and concerts. Amidst the bustling city, Jaswant Thada provides a peaceful escape for visitors and locals. The breathtaking view of the blue city and the Mehrangarh fort from this vantage point enthralled us. With all these elements put together, the structure of Jaswant Thada creates a truly mesmerizing effect and hence one should never miss an opportunity to visit this royal cenotaph.  

Bibliography:

• Sinha, J. (2007). Beyond the Dunes: Journeys in Rajasthan. India: Penguin Books.
• Jaswant Thada, Information about Jaswant Thada, Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur (indovacations.net)
• Jaswant Thada- Royal Splendor of Jodhpur | AapNo Desh – RajasThan
• Jaswant Thada – Mehrangarh Museum Trust
• Jaswant Thada Jodhpur Rajasthan – Palaces on Wheels
• Jaswant Thada ‘ Taj Mahal of Marwar ‘ In Jodhpur. A white marble commemorative tomb (jodhpursearch.com)

The views, information, or opinions expressed above are solely those of the author(s) involved and do not necessarily represent those held by India Lost & Found and its creative community.

Hi, I’m Priya Agarwal …

Currently pursuing a Masters in Ancient Indian Culture and Archaeology, I aspire to create a link between heritage and people. I find solace in historical monuments and like to capture them through my lens. In the creative space, I love to sketch and try new DIYs. Ghazals and virtual tours of museums have been my best companion and kept me sane during the pandemic.